<p>A Harvard University committee proposed a mandatory religion class as part of a new set of course requirements that breaks sharply from the school's peer institutions. There is an article about this in the Wall Street Journal website (for those who have membership)</p>
<p>For those who do not, here is the link to the lead article on Harvard's student run newspaper website, the Crimson:</p>
<p><a href="http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=514669%5B/url%5D">http://www.thecrimson.com/article.aspx?ref=514669</a></p>
<p>Here is an excerpt from that link:</p>
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With today’s general education report, this one-time training ground for Puritan ministers resurrects part of its historical emphasis on faith, at the same time as it responds to a recent rise in religious conflict across the globe.</p>
<p>Critics of this curricular review’s earlier plans to replace the Core with broad distribution requirements said that Harvard was simply following in the footsteps of other Ivy League schools. Now, by moving to become the only Ivy that requires its undergrads to study religion and American history, Harvard is finding a new path.
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<p>My first reaction, as an atheist, was "oh, no"... but I have to admit that "Why Americans Love God and Europeans Don’t" sounds like a fascinating course.</p>
<p>edit: Maybe I should've read the entire article before commenting, because the requirement isn't religion on its own but "Reason and Faith", which does sound like an excellent idea. I'm almost tempted to apply in spite of everything.</p>
<p>i agree that this is an excellent idea - i.e. promoting the study of religion rather than endorsing any religion per se or the endorsement of religion in general is a bold move and more relevant than ever given the current conflicts in the Middle East (judaism / islam / christianity).</p>
<p>i applaud Harvard's efforts to acknowledge the continuing importance of religion / faith in today's world and its impact on society at large. kudos to them for recognizing this, taking a proactive approach instead of hiding behind its Ivory Towers.</p>
<p>If this passes, other institutions are going to copy it :). Raising awareness is the first step to educating americans and letting the international community know that we aren't just a bunch of dunderheads that only care about ourselves.</p>
<p>Hats off to Harvard, first early ending early admission now this great idea. This is the closest colleges have ever had to a Civil Rights movement in terms of reform</p>
<p>Harvard has certainly been quite active lately, first with the decision to end "early" admissions and now this.</p>
<p>Harvard, if nothing else, is certainly demonstrating leadership and is flexing its muscles as the world's premier university (as if anyone had any doubts).</p>